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Education

Understanding the world in which we live.

(13 Posts)
sar63 Sun 25-Feb-24 17:10:00

I’m a very over worked 60 something primary school teacher who is constantly trying to find engaging and meaningful ways of delivering the National Curriculum to children who can at times find learning incredibly challenging. With the unique insight that teachers have where young learners are concerned, I have seen a gap in the market for books of a historical genre. I believe that it’s important for young children to understand the world in which they live by delving into the history that came before them. Surely there is no better way to do this than wrap it all up in the form of a story. Before I embark on such a project I would value the views of others to see whether they feel the same as me. I’d be interested to hear what you think.

Theexwife Sun 25-Feb-24 17:51:50

There are quite a few on Amazon, I used to buy them for my grandson as it was a more enjoyable way of learning. The horrible history stories are very successful.

Curtaintwitcher Sun 25-Feb-24 17:57:23

Yes, it is important for children to learn history, BUT it must be accurate. It's easy for history to be taught from a particular point of view, and this causes prejudice. We live in precarious times and you are dealing with the future generation, so be wise in your choice.
I was brought up on the Ladybird series of books with Janet and John, who lived very middle class lives. Not really relevant to todays children.

Mamie Sun 25-Feb-24 18:08:11

Judging by my eldest granddaughter (A* in A level history) Horrible Histories was pretty successful in getting her started. 😂

keepingquiet Sun 25-Feb-24 18:09:59

Aren't you busy enough? As an ex-teacher myself I adapted resources to suit my classes. I certainly had no time to make my own.
Your option is to stay where you are putting your own slant on things to encourage your students to think for themselves, or you can leave and go into educational publishing.
I can' think of any teachers who could do both these things well.

BlueBelle Sun 25-Feb-24 18:22:36

What about Horrible Histories there’s loads of books and stage shows I remember taking my grandkids about 13 years ago
There’s also a whole series of stories about various historical characters I can’t remember the series name though

BlueBelle Sun 25-Feb-24 18:27:04

Just checked on Amazon and there’s really a lot of good looking history stories for various ages including events people black history loads of them I m surprised you haven’t found them I really don’t think there’s a gap in the market at all

Maggiemaybe Sun 25-Feb-24 18:35:34

The historical characters series is Horribly Famous. They’re great, as are the Horrible Histories/Geography/Science books. They really got the grandsons interested in what, without them, they might have dismissed as boring old facts. They have board games, various cards and jigsaws from the series as well. They’ve actually taught me a lot. grin

AmberSpyglass Sun 25-Feb-24 18:45:34

Historical fiction for children has always been popular. Is there a particular era that you feel has been neglected?

Sago Sun 25-Feb-24 19:27:11

BlueBelle

What about Horrible Histories there’s loads of books and stage shows I remember taking my grandkids about 13 years ago
There’s also a whole series of stories about various historical characters I can’t remember the series name though

These books fired our children’s imagination.
I doubt they could be improved on.

Deedaa Sun 25-Feb-24 19:45:54

My 11 year old grandson loves Horrible Histories and has learned a lot from them. There's certainly a lack of History teaching. Just watch any quiz show, "Who was the monarch during WWII?" "Queen Victoria?" isn't too far fetched.

Doodledog Sun 25-Feb-24 20:48:46

BlueBelle

Just checked on Amazon and there’s really a lot of good looking history stories for various ages including events people black history loads of them I m surprised you haven’t found them I really don’t think there’s a gap in the market at all

Agreed.

Where do you feel the gap is, OP?

Caleo Sun 25-Feb-24 21:22:10

Sun Horse Moon Horse, and Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliffe are properly researched and entertaining too.

I think this author goes a long way to stimulate curiosity about the human past without losing historical credibility.